The_Art_of_War J+MJ+M BOOKMOBI 8 * : J Z j z * : J Z j z H A H MOBI P EXTH e %Pax Librorum Publishing House g MThe 1910 Lionel Giles translation, restored, and without annotations. d Sun Tzu The Art of War j 2009-06-07T04:48:04 l 8calibre (0.5.12) [http://calibre.kovidgoyal.net] The Art of War
Sun Tzu's
The Art of War
translated by Lionel Giles, M.A.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu, as translated by Lionel Giles, M.A.
First published in 1910.
This edition has been corrected of transcription errors and typeset for modern printing equipment to maximize quality and readability. It is simultaneously published as a paperback book, and can be purchased from the Amazon.com or BN.com websites for $3.99 USD. If you enjoyed this free eBook, please consider supporting the publisher by purchasing a copy.
II./1. 2009.
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Editor: Aggott Hönsch István
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The paperback edition of this eBook is identified by ISBN 978-0-9811626-3-8
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To my brother
Captain Valentine Giles, R.G.
in the hope that
a work 2400 years old
may yet contain lessons worth consideration
by the soldier of to-day
this translation
is affectionately dedicated
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions
V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Manœuvring
VIII. Variation in Tactics
IX. The Army on the March
X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack by Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies
Introduction
SUN TZU WU was a native of t he CH`I State. His Art of War brought him to the notice of HO LU, King of WU. HO LU said to him: “I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?”
SUN TZU replied: “You may.”
HO LU asked: “May the test be applied to women?”
The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. SUN TZU divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favourite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?”
The girls replied: “Yes.”
SUN TZU went on: “When I say ‘Eyes front,’ you must look straight ahead. When I say ‘Left turn,’ you must face towards your left hand. When I say ‘Right turn,’ you must face towards your right hand. When I say ‘About turn,’ you must face right round towards your back.”
Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. SUN TZU said: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.”
So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order “Left turn,” whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. SUN TZU: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.”
So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now the King of WU was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favourite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: “We are now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savour. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded.”
SUN TZU replied: “Having once received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept.”
Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not vent uring to utter a sound. Then SUN TZU sent a messenger to the King saying: “Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey.”
But the King replied: “Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops.”
Thereupon SUN TZU said: “The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.”
After that, HO LU saw that SUN TZU was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally appointed him general. In the west, he defeated the CH`U State and forced his way into YING, the capital; to the north he put fear into the States of CH`I and CHIN, and spread his fame abroad amongst the feudal princes. And SUN TZU shared in the might of the King.
— SSU-MA CH`IEN (c. 145 BC – 86 BC)
I. Laying Plans
5, 6.
The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.